Is Black a con?

The Conrad Black fraud trial is in the final stages this week, with lawyers on both sides taking their best shots during closing arguments.Has anyone out there actually been following this case? A Canadian Press story previewing the beginning of the end reads, in part "On the face of it, Conrad Black’s fraud trial has had all the spice and saucy detail a jury could hope for from a celebrity court affair: betrayal, alleged abuse of luxurious perks, sneaky backroom money moves, vicious outbursts."Hmmm, sounds interesting. But I think this is a case where the (Ontario-based) media hype has far exceeded the reality of what has gone down.I think I speak for plenty of average Canadians when I sum up the case in the following way.Yawn.In any event, things appear to be heating up a bit this week with final arguments leading into the jury's verdict.And with the fate of Lord Black hanging in the balance - we know they don't mess around with white collar crime in the U.S. - there's plenty on the line.So, how do you see this shaking down? Just click HERE to cast your vote in my latest online Jury Poll question.www.mikeoncrime.com

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

About Mike McIntyre

Mike is the justice reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press, where he has worked since 1997. He produces and hosts the weekly talk radio show Crime and Punishment, which runs on the Corus Radio Network in several Canadian cities.

Born and bred in Winnipeg, Mike graduated from River East Collegiate and completed his journalism studies in the Creative Communications program at Red River College.